Before I get to the books, I have a quick personal note. You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t been posting much lately. I’ve been busy with career-related issues, including losing my job recently. I don’t want anyone to worry – I should be fine. I saw this coming some time ago, so my resume was ready and I began job-hunting before the event. I’m getting a month of severance pay, the downside being that I’ve signed away my ability to make negative public comments about the companies or people involved, so you guys won’t be getting the gory, blood-soaked details.
Hopefully, I’ll get back to regular posting soon, as I have quite a backlog of reviews and other articles to write. In the meantime, here’s some news from the edge of the galaxy:
My dumpster fire post covered the first few books in the Galaxy’s Edge series, and I’ve since listened to an audiobook covering two additional print books in the main series, Turning Point and Message for the Dead.
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These two books brought the series together for me, on two levels. First, while the previous books shared a backdrop of major galactic events, some of them were pure military sci-fi and others were more like space-opera adventures. My latest readings in the series pulled in the various characters and plotlines, seeming to meld everything into a single, cohesive story.
Second, the various galactic factions came out of the shadows, ultimately lining up on one side or the other, or being destroyed. It was fascinating to see how things played out, although I was a bit confused by a bit at the end that seemed more “Lord of the Rings” than “Star Wars”. In any case, I’m looking forward to Retribution, the next book in the series.
I also listened to a spinoff series, Order of the Centurion. These are standalone military sci-fi novels. Only two have been published so far, Order of the Centurion and Iron Wolves.
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If you enjoyed Legionnaire, then I’m almost certain you’ll like Order of the Centurion. While the setting of Legionnaire reminded me of Afghanistan, Order of the Centurion has a jungle setting, drawing on the Vietnam War and possibly Philippine insurrections against American rule. Both novels feature military units cut off behind enemy lines, but there are some interesting character differences.
Iron Wolves was also good military sci-fi, but had one sub-story that I didn’t find terribly interesting. One of the Legionnaires was suffering from PTSD/nightmares/anger issues, and while that might be a realistic thing to include in a military story, I don’t find that it makes for good reading. I enjoy it when characters interact, or when they react to events around them, but I can’t recall ever enjoying something that took place purely within one character’s head. Otherwise, Iron Wolves is a fast-paced military sci-fi adventure.
Stay tuned for future reports from the edge of the galaxy….
Planetary Defense Command 
I hate that you have to go through that. Hope you find an awesome workplace.
Thanks. Everything is up in the air right now. I can’t decide whether to go after lower-level jobs that pay a salary right now but might torpedo my career long-term, or whether to spend a few months pursuing things that help my career.
All I can do is wish you the best. I have no knowledge here.
Awwww man, no gory blood soaked details? Phhhh, why am I even following you then? 😉
Hope life settles down for you soon. Unsettled life is no fun for anyone…
Yeah, it’s interesting they’re so concerned about what I’d say…. Maybe I can settle into a long-term career at my next employer. Things outside my control have pushed me out of my last few.
Best of luck for the quickest of resolutions of your current troubles!
Thanks. I am looking in so many different directions right now – changing careers, changing locations – I have no idea where I’ll end up.
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